13 December 2005

Warriors Make Surprise Visit to Mangere Under 9's Rugby Practice

The Mangere East Rugby League Under 9 TamaHawks received a surprise visit from Vodafone Warriors Sonny Fai, Cooper Vuna and new Australian player, Michael Luck, at their training session on Wednesday 30 November.

The surprise visit with their rugby league heroes was the young team's grand prize for winning the MILO GO SportsTeam of the Week. Following their fun workout with the Warriors, the team chilled out with cold MILO and a shared BBQ.

The MILO GO SportsTeam of the Week promotion ran on Studio 2's sports night. Every Monday kids were invited to nominate their team on the basis of good teamwork, perseverance, skill development, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, improvement or extra effort, with the winners announced on-air.

The TamaHawks were named the MILO GO SportsTeam of the Week by Studio 2 hosts Matt and Dayna on TV2 in August, and were selected in November as the grand prizewinners from over 850 entries, and 14 weekly winners.

Nathan Toa (9) nominated his team because they give 200% every week, rain or shine. He was thrilled when they were named a weekly winner, and says he couldn't believe the news when he was told they were the overall, national winners.

"I was really excited because I've never won anything like this before and it was a cool thing for me and my team," he says.

Nathan says he thought the celebrity guests were going to be All Blacks, but was pleased to see Warriors, especially Cooper ­ because they are better!

Nathan and his team all want to be like their heroes, "We all want to stay together until we are Warriors, I think we will ­ because we are unbreakable."

"The TamaHawks really stood out in the nomination process, their entry was passionate and really embodied the qualities kiwi sport is all about," says Margot Fox, MILO Marketing Manager. "They are an inspirational young team that's successful on the sports field, gives their best and goes for it!"

The MILO GO SportsTeam of the Week is part of the MILO GO Sport Programme, which includes a series of initiatives designed to encourage kids to participate in team sport, have fun and develop their skills.

To see pictures of the 2005 MILO GO SportsTeam of the Week winners or the grand prize event visit www.milo.co.nz

Team Members: Nathan Toa, Michael Otuhiva, Marquise Palalagi, Joseph Hay, Mana Taura, Sosiua Taura, Jessie Leuta, Harry Arama, Caleb Arama, Takari Ripia, Tyler Mohi, Filiga Tafa, Zak Pulevaka.

ENDS